Where authentic faith meets a messy life

How to Survive Summer With Your Kids

Hi! I'm so glad you stepped into my little corner of the web. Be sure to subscribe to my RSS feed so you don't miss anything! Now on to the important stuff...

Summer lends itself to lazy days and a carefree spirit, but I’ve discovered too much laziness sends everyone spiraling into a meltdown by about 3:00 p.m. I’m convinced there’s just something about being “off schedule” and “aimless” that leaves us all a little edgy! And while summertime means more free time and fun, it also means an opportunity to do things we can’t fit in during the busyness of the school year.

My friend Lori at Everyday Truth says this about making the most of summertime:

“Summer should have plenty of time for making memories and having fun, but it should also be a time when our kids learn the value of work and learn some new things.”

I couldn’t agree more. Yes, I want to relish in the lazy days of summer, but I only have one summer with them at this age, and I want to make the most of it! So how do we find the balance between a stressful schedule and a lazy free-for-all? Here are some ideas to get you started…

1. Start with a plan.

We start each summer by creating a “Summer Bucket List.” This is simply a list of things we want to do while school is out. It includes things like vacations, local outings, at-home projects, and new skills to learn. Everyone’s ideas are included (as long as they are within the realm of possibility!), and yes, we always end up with too much. That’s OK! At least we have a collection of all our ideas.

Then we ask each family member the most important item on the list…the thing he would choose to do above all the others. That sets our priority…we strive to accomplish at least everyone’s favorite over the course of the summer.

2. Set a routine.

Ours will be much more relaxed and move at a slower pace, but we will have a routine. We won’t wake up at the same time everyday, or be forced to rush out the door (except for scheduled events like camp or VBS). And there will be days we stay in our PJs until dinnertime (mom included!). But those days will be the exception, not the rule. We’ll enjoy plenty of movies (especially during those pop-up summer thunderstorms), but screen time will have its limits.

Our days will have a rhythm, but it will be more like a “smooth jazz” groove with a lot of improvisation, not the marching band beat that drives us through the school year.

3. Share responsibilities.

Yes, summer is a great time to kick back and relax, but unfortunately, the laundry, cleaning, shopping, and cooking don’t take a summer break! Now that everyone is home all day, every day, there are more hands to pitch in and help. That way, Mom can enjoy some summertime fun, too! So in addition to regular responsibilities (caring for themselves and their spaces) each child will be expected to pitch in to keep our home running.

If they balk at it (which they will because they’re kids), I’ll simply remind them that it’s good for them and that science backs me up! (You’re welcome. ;)) And if you need some help keeping them motivated, check out this system for summertime chores (with free printables!).

4. Stave off boredom.

The phrase, “I’m bored” is not allowed in our house, because we believe that a creative person should never be bored. And since kids have endless imaginations, they are some of the most creative people in the world! Still, even they need a little inspiration from time to time.

If you’ve been on Pinterest more than 5 minutes, I’m sure you’ve seen ideas for this Bored Board or these Boredom Jars. Ours have been used every day so far this week!

5. Sneak in learning. 😉

When we decided to homeschool, I discovered that learning doesn’t stop when the math books are put away. Summer is the perfect time for fun, educational activities. Here are some ways to do sneak in a some “schooling” this summer:

5. Rest

Summer is a time to relax and refresh, and we’ll do that with lazy mornings and long afternoons at the pool. But we’ll also take some time every day to intentionally “power down” and recharge. Now that my kids have outgrown nap time, the days can get long and the house can grow small when everyone is home all day. So I’ve borrowed an idea from our church camp and instituted a “feet off the floor” time every afternoon. Everyone spends an hour (or so, depending on the day’s plans) in his or her room doing something calm and quiet (reading a book, playing Legos, doing puzzles, sketching, listening to an audio book, etc.). No screens allowed. This gives all kids and mom a break!

It might take a little strategy to strike a balance between fun and slothfulness this summer, to find time to feed our minds and still allow plenty of lazy mornings, play dates with friends, ice cream, and swimming! But when August rolls around, I want to look back at these weeks with a sense of satisfaction, knowing we made the most of every opportunity.

I like the idea of still having some structure, but at a more relaxed pace! Sometimes it’s hard to find that balance so that the children don’t get bored easily, but they still feel free to enjoy summer. 🙂Jen Stults recently posted…6 Principles for Picky Eaters

Thanks for joining the melody this week. I would be delighted to have you add your voice each week. I jot some momma notes on Monday … but its a post whenever you can during the week kind of link up. I get the filled to the brim momma schedules.

Hey Nancy…I loved this post. Brought back memories of summer fun, which also included fun learning projects for my three sons, and chores first…before the pool! I was waxing wistful today and posted about summer a long time ago, now that my nest is empty. In case you or other mamas are interested, here is the link. Thanks for letting me share and ENJOY your summer with your kids. Their childhood really is more fleeting than summer {of course, in hindsight 🙂 }http://longingsend.com/2013/06/12/the-one-thing-that-slips-away-faster-than-summer/

It seems I’m trying to use this summer to catch up on all the things we didn’t accomplish during our school year. Thank you for the reminders to sit back and make memories along with a little habit training.
I enjoyed your post very much.Linda S recently posted…The Hidden Art of Homemaking – Chapter 8

Wow, these are really great! It’s going to take me quite a bit of time to go through all of these links, but thank you so much for providing them! We’re working on a Pinterest summer– all of those great links! And, of course, sprinklers, pools, and juice pops. 😉Kristi @ The Potter’s Hand Academy recently posted…Hearts for Home Blog Post #21

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Join the #30DaysOfThanks Challenge for November!

About Nancy

Nancy is a lover of words and all things chocolate. She is married to her best friend, and when she’s not settling sibling squabbles among her two children, she can be found sipping coffee and writing about faith, family, and finding grace in the journey. Read more here.